Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know that the Deputy's priority is that the additional funding be allocated. It is important that work progresses quickly and in an effective manner. My own view is that there will not be disruption but I will clarify that for the Deputy with the design team and those who are doing the scoping work. At present, the service asks staff to work in archaic settings and if we are encouraging staff to come home, and nurses to go into the profession, we need to invest not just in the staff themselves but in the facilities in which they are going to work and this will form part of the work we are doing to implement A Vision for Change. There is also a need to focus on our community-based services and it is a priority for the Government to make sure the approved posts are filled as quickly as possible.

I thank the Deputy and agree with her that the staff and community organisations and teams do a fantastic job. This will help them and we will support them as much as we can.

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